A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING "SOLDIER METABOLIC AND REMOTE TELE-MONITOR (SMRT)"

Notice Date

June 25, 2001

Contracting Office

311th HSW/PKR, 8005 9th St, Bldg 626, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5353

ZIP Code

78235-5353

Solicitation Number

N/A

Point of Contact

POC: Phyllis J. Morse, Contracting Officer, (210) 536-5769

Description

17. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate is seeking sources that are capable of providing technologies for a proposed "Soldier Metabolic and Remote Tele-Monitor (SMRT)." This announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes -- it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). Exhaled breath is composed of many different molecules, such as, oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, inert gases, and about 200 volatile organic compounds (VOC). These gases arise from the alveolar membrane junction, airway, mouth, and sinuses. A miniaturized device capable of monitoring specific constituents in exhaled breath could potentially evaluate the metabolic rate, nutritional status, and general health status of soldiers in the field. The Government is interested in existing technologies for development of a stand-alone, battery-powered, SMRT device. The device would be placed near a soldier's mouth and nose to monitor exhaled gases and would be supported by the soldier's helmet. "Lab-on-a-chip" or nano-technology concepts for miniaturized sensors could be applied for detection of exhaled gases. The data could be processed at the device and the results transmitted using wireless technology to a local commander or command center. The Government requests interested parties submit information about their existing capabilities in two technical areas: a. Non-intrusive Breath Analysis on Human Subjects: Gases in human exhaled breath may be studied to determine the chemical response or "signature" for a normal resting state and a physiologically stressed or high metabolic state. The physiologically stressed state could be induced by physical exercise. A possible concept might use a gas chromatograph or mass spectrometer. b. "Lab-on-a-Chip" Concepts or Nano-Technology for Chemical, Pressure, and Temperature Sensors: Information on existing capabilities in "lab-on-a-chip" or nano-technology approaches that might be applied for sensing specific gases, pressure, and temperature in breathing gas is requested. One concept might use sensor arrays that elicit a distinctive output when exposed to specific chemical species. As prescribed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3, the Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request for information (RFI) nor to otherwise pay for the information provided. This RFI is issued for the purpose of developing a viable solicitation that will best communicate the Government's requirements to industry. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any corporation's ability to submit an offer if and when a solicitation is released. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractors' information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. If there is a GSA or other contract vehicle already available for the technology being proposed, please include this information in the response. Firms who wish to respond to this request for information should contact Ms Phyllis J. Morse at 311 HSW/PKR, telephone (210) 536-5769, fax (210) 536-5769, e-mail address, Phyllis.Morse@brooks.af.mil. Technical questions may be directed to Mr. George W. Miller, AFRL/HEPR, (210) 536-8128. Responses are due 21 days from publication. The Air Force Research Laboratory thanks all interested parties for their attention and participation in this acquisition process. *****

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010627/ASOL009.HTM (W-176 SN50P9D6)